Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing is a delightful dish that combines the earthy flavors of acorn squash with a sweet and tangy cranberry stuffing. Here’s the information you requested:
What is it?
Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing is a vegetarian dish where roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a flavorful mixture of cranberries, nuts, herbs, and spices. It’s a wonderful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it is likely a modern creation that combines traditional ingredients like acorn squash with a contemporary twist using cranberries, which are often associated with North American Thanksgiving and holiday recipes.
Components:
- Acorn Squash: Typically, you’ll need two acorn squash for this recipe.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries are used for the stuffing.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the stuffing.
- Herbs and Spices: Common seasonings include sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the stuffing together.
- Butter or Olive Oil: For roasting the squash and sautéing the stuffing ingredients.
- Brown Sugar: Optional, for added sweetness.
Steps to Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the acorn squash in half horizontally and remove the seeds and strings. Brush the cut sides with olive oil or melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the stuffing. In a skillet, melt some butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped nuts and sauté until they become fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Add fresh or dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, sage, thyme, and brown sugar (if desired) to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until the cranberries soften and everything is well mixed.
- Once the acorn squash is done roasting, turn them over so the cut side is facing up.
- Fill each squash half with the cranberry stuffing mixture.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the stuffing is heated through and slightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time needed to prepare Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing is approximately 1 hour, including both prep and cooking time.
Enjoy your delicious Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Dietary Fiber: 7-9g
- Sugars: 12-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
Health Information:
- Low in Calories: Acorn squash is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
- High in Fiber: Acorn squash and cranberries both contribute to the dish’s high fiber content. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Acorn squash is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. Cranberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Vegetarian: This dish is vegetarian, making it suitable for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet.
- Potential for Variations: Depending on your dietary preferences and needs, you can adjust the ingredients to make the dish lower in sugar or higher in protein by using different types of nuts or adding protein-rich ingredients like quinoa.
Please note that the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary concerns or requirements, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
